QUESTION: Hi,

Can Project X 6.0 shafts be put into Ping Eye 2 beryllium copper clubs. This is
the difference betweem pro and am. Let me know. Arthur

ANSWER: Hi Arthur,

Absolutely. Most every premium shaft model is manufactured to be able to be installed into all Ping iron models, including Ping Eye 2 BeCu irons. An installer will need to measure the tip diameter of your iron set, and select the appropriate Project X model.

The issues of fitting, feel, and performance for a given golfer are separate issues, and are best discussed with a skilled fitter/builder. you might consider visiting our Authorized Installation Center locator to contact an installer to help with your project. Their contact information is at www.shaftology.com.

Regarding your sentence, “this is the difference between a pro and am”, I am not sure what you are referencing. Please reply if needed. Regards, Mark

 
 

QUESTION: Mark,
I have a question about Nippon 750, 850, or 950 shafts, and what kind of shaft
to put in my wedges.  My swing speed for my irons is 70-75 mph.
I am replacing my 54 and 58 degree Vokey Spin Milled wedges (my current wedges
have Nippon 970 NS Pro shafts Soft R).  The frequency on my wedges is 283 and
the weight is D-4.  This past year, I switched from 90 gram steel shafts, to 55
gram graphite shafts in a senior flex, in the rest of my irons (bad back).  For
my new wedges, should I go with the 750’s (either in A flex or R flex)?  Or the
850s or 950s?   I am wondering if the shafts in my 54 and 58 degree wedges
should be closer in weight to the other irons I have, or if I should stick with
close to what I have now (950s). 

Thank you, Deborah

ANSWER: Hi Deborah,

Thanks for your note.

You might consider reading through some of the Q&A’s in the WEDGE SHAFT Category located on the right side of this page. You may get a sense of the general philosophy of fitting wedge shafts to your game, swing, and your current iron set.

Professionals on the LPGA Tour play with all kinds of wedge shaft variations, but the common thread is playing with wedge shafts that are the same as your iron shafts, or slightly heavier than your iron shafts. In last year’s Women’s US Open, 95% of the players used a wedge shaft model that was the same or heavier than their iron shaft model. 

This is primarily a feel question. The best wedge shaft for you is the shaft model that “feels” the best. Most golfers that I have fitted for wedge shafts find that they prefer wedge shafts that are heavier than their iron shafts.

To give a specific opinion on your wedge shaft model, I say go with either the 850 or 950/970 models. Mostly likely, a graphite weight model or the NS PRO 750 model will probably be light and give you less control, and the stock 125 gram steel model, will be too heavy, and feel clunky and difficult to swing. 

Regarding shaft flex- if you liked the soft R flex that you previously had, go with it. If that flex felt a bit stiff or harsh, then choose the A flex. Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hello..
Nippon Shaft NS PRO prototype (red printed label) steel iron- what is the shaft spec please? I find this on ebay, I try this, BUT I have no information .. What is this ??
I have used N.S. PRO BLUE X-stiff.   Sorry- my english is bad. Won

ANSWER: Hi Won,

In July of 2009, we started offering some new NS PRO models to the US PGA Tour players.

Some players test and find that they like the new prototypes, and some players test and find that the new models are not to their preference. If the set of shafts are not preferred, often the shafts are pulled out and tossed in the trash. Some times, these used shaft models find their way onto auction sites like Ebay.

These new models are in the process of being tested and adjusted. We have not published the specifications until we have settled on the exact models that we will offer for sale. Also, there are several different models and flexes being offered to the PGA Tour Professionals, and I am not sure which of the 5 models that you have met up with.

My best advice is to “be careful”, in spending your hard earned money on these models, as some of the models are very heavy, some are very stiff, some are low trajectory, and some are mid trajectory, some are traditional balanced, and some are non-traditional balance. The traditional auction seller is not qualified to communicate the performance  of these models. And Nippon Shaft is making changes based on the feedback they receive from the Tour Professionals, and not ready to publish the specifications at this time, so- “be careful” with your money.

I am sorry that I can’t be of more help for you at this time. As soon as we complete our testing, and manufacturing, we will list all of the shaft specifications on our website at www.nipponshaft.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of King Cobra S9 irons that are approx 2 years old. They came with
N.S. Pro 900XH shafts with R flex. I recently broke the shaft in my Gap Wedge
and would like to have it replaced with the exact same original shaft. Is this
shaft available and where would I find one? Thanks, Michael

ANSWER: Hi Michael,

The NS PRO 900XH model shafts are manufactured at our factory in Komagane, Japan, and then shipped directly to the Cobra Golf Company. We manufacture the 900XH exclusively for Cobra, thus your only source is to contact the Cobra Company directly.

If you want the exact identical shaft, you might inquire with one of their retail shops for help with your project. Visit www.cobragolf.com for a list of their dealers.

From my clubfitter’s perspective, you might consider installing your gap wedge with another shaft option. I have fitted thousands of golfers with great success, and most find a better performance, in their wedge clubs, by using a slightly heavier shaft model. If you are having success with your N.S. PRO 900XH shaft in your irons, you might consider our N.S. PRO 1050GH shaft model, in an R flex, or our new N.S. PRO WV105 wedge shaft, for all of your wedge clubs.

The N.S. PRO 1050GH is available through any of our Authorized Installation Centers, and the N.S. PRO WV105 is available through any of our Authorized Installation Centers, or later next month, via direct purchase, from the Golfsmith or Swing Science Companies. Please visit www.shaftology.com for our center’s contact information or www.golfsmith.com or www.swingscience.net for direct purchase. 

For specification information, please go to www.nipponshaft.com.

Regards, Mark  

QUESTION: Hi,

I’m now playing 2009 Burner with 49G, 45′ shaft, Reg flex.

I hit it about 200-210 regularly. No problem with getting

the ball in the air, but I would like more distance. 

Don’t get much roll. Need more swing speed. Will a 

longer shaft (46′-47′-48′) help? How about more flex? 

Current swing speed, controlled swing, in balance,
is 86-88mph. Thanks, JW
 
ANSWER: Hi JW,
Please understand that there are specific reasons, based 
on the physics of your clubhead delivery, and the physics of
your equipment, as to why your ball flies like it does.
There is no “ONE” answer to your questions. But, based on
your note, here are a few comments to get you started
thinking in the right direction-
 
1) Your lack of roll is most assuredly the result of a
head delivery at impact in a downward angle. This creates
a spin that adds to a rising type trajectory, and subtracts
from distance gaining roll. You may consider working with a 
teaching professional to change how you deliver your driver
at impact. Choose a pro wisely, as most do not understand
the physics of this collision moment. If your teaching pro
employs the use of a TRACKMAN system, they most likely are
aware of what I am writing about.
 

2) You might consider experimenting with different models of
driver heads. Finding a lower spinning head, and maybe even
more loft, is often found to be of great benefit. 
 

3) If your shaft is too stiff for your swing- this will hold 
back your distance. The only definitive method is to test and
compare different shaft models. You might consider contacting
one or two of our Authorized Installation Centers and inquire
as to the testing and fitting services that they offer. Their
contact information can be found at www.shaftology.com.
 

4) Regarding using longer length clubs? This is typically a 
disaster for golfers who deliver their driver in a downward
angle at impact. This extra length is in severe conflict 
with their swing type and results in bad, adaptive type 
swing efforts, and thus poor contact and control.
 

5) If you are able to use a longer length driver shaft,
you will have to marry this concept with a lighter head.
A longer club with a standard weight driver head will
typically feel out of balance. You might want to connect
with one of our Authorized Installation Centers that are
also a Taylor Made Center, as many of their heads are 
weight adjustable. Other options include some of our 
Centers who are also Adams centers, that offer some
relevant fitting options. 

6) Several companies are offering lighter, longer
drivers, that may or may not be of benefit, but are
worth investigating. One of these is the new Cleveland
DST driver series.
 
Many of these concepts can be confusing, and I heartily
recommend that you seek help with your search.
 
In summary, if you are able to combine the benefits of
learning a more functional head delivery, the use of  
longer shafts, equipped with a lighter shaft model, like 
our NS PRO WT5000, possibly a lower spinning head, and a
lighter head, you will be on your way to discovering which
combination of swing, shaft, and club specifications gives
you the best chance for maximum distance.
Regards, Mark  

QUESTION: Hi,

I have several questions-

1) On the silkscreening on the butt of the Superpeening Orange.
Can you tell me what flex this shaft set is if it’s printed:

X2-37.0
SH8975F
NSC S-R-I
May 07 04

2) Can you please tell me the expected CPM of a Superpeening Orange X flex, for a
7 iron playing at 36.75 in a 5″ clamp, ungripped? They seem to freq out higher than other shafts.

3) I live in San Diego and my zip is 92065. I can’t decide between the Superpeening Blue or Orange. Is there a place where I can try out these two shafts? Better yet, do you guys have a loaner program where I can try these out? Bare shafts would be fine as I can slap them into heads and look at the numbers from my launch monitor. Thanks, Jack

ANSWER: Hi Jack,

The answer to all three of your questions is made much easier if you are able to find one of our centers that offers the ability to test our different models. I absolutely recommend contacting several of our Authorized Installation Centers for help with your project. Go to www.shaftology.com ,click on the CENTER LOCATOR link, and use the contact information to inquire as to the testing and fitting services they offer.

I have tested and fitted 20,000 golfers in the last 20 years, and live, comparative testing is both the fastest and most accurate method of shaft selection. The tricky part is that many golfers think shaft selection is based on a single performance criteria or a set of criteria such as age, handicap, swing speed, and spin. These are all a big waste of your time. Then, couple all of this mis-information with the lack of testing facilities, and you have a lot of confused golfers trying to contort and adapt their bodies and swings to poorly fitted equipment. So- find a place to test and compare shaft models, and your golf life will be much better off.

Regarding specific answers to your questions, I will give you an honest reply, but in the interest of accuracy, do not take offense, instead please understand that I no longer try to babysit with soft answers, but inform with accurate replies. Also, often, there is no one answer, but several answers. This is because we manufacture the same design for many different appications.

1) Our shaft models are recorded on the butt end with raw data. Many of our specific models, including our NS PRO Superpeening Orange model, are manufactured for different length applications- meaning, some Orange shaft models have a 37.0″ raw length, and some have an extended butt section, so that the same shaft model and flex might have a different raw length. To be definitive, I would have to see the step pattern. However, my best guess is that you have a shaft model that is our NS PRO Orange 37.0″ raw length. If installed in a traditional 1″ bottom of the bore to the ground measurement 6 iron, with a traditional headweight, lie and grip that yields a D-3 swingweight, this shaft will play to an X-flex.

2) Due to the variances of your machine, your clamping pressure, the stability of your base, the headweight of your iron, the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement of your iron, and the lie and grip weight of your club, there is no accurate representation of CPM that I can offer. The defunct PCS group created a very accurate translation in their “EQUALIZER” CPM system, which took into account these measurement variables. However, the very nature of using butt measurement can ONLY be applied, even using the accurate PCS system, when comparing shafts of the exact same geometry. This means that you can compare Orange to Orange, or Blue to Blue, or 950 to 950, but to compare Orange to Blue or Orange to any other shaft model is a colossal waste of time.

3) The NS PRO Blue is a bit heavier and will typically yield a lower ball flight for most golfers versus the NS PRO Orange. For specification information, please go to www.nipponshaft.com. As suggested above, please contact some of our centers. Inquire also if they have locations closer to your area. Hot Stix and Cool Clubs are expanding their reach and may be a couple of facilities to consider. Or possibly a fitting trip/excursion may be in your future.   

QUESTION: Hi,

I am playing Mizuno MX-25 irons with True Temper Dynamic Gold SL shafts. I am 63
and shoot low to mid 90’s. Would the NS PRO 750GH be good for me? Also, what is the price per shaft? Thanks, Bob

ANSWER: Hi Bob,

Please understand my reply is not intended to offend, but to inform. OK? Here goes-

Your question is best answered if you would have offered some performance criteria-

Examples of performance criteria- Do you like your existing iron set? Or not? Are you satisfied with your distance? Are you looking to hit it higher? Lower? Is your control good? Do your shafts give you energy? Or exhaust your body? Do your shafts feel harsh at impact? Do your shafts feel too heavy? Too light? What other shaft models have you liked? Not liked? What flex have you liked? What flex are you currently using? What flex have you had success with in the past?

Any of these statements relate actual performance and/or feel. Age and score have little to do with specific shaft selection.

If you feel like your existing shafts are too heavy, or have too low of a ball flight, you might be a candidate for our NS PRO 750GH model. However, the only accurate method of shaft selection is via live, comparative testing.

Most golfers are not aware of the critical value that playing the proper shaft has on your game. If you play with the proper shaft, the game is easier, you maximize your distance, your swing is energized, and you find that sweet sound of impact much more often.

Like most golfers you can choose your shaft on a whim, or on a single criteria, like age. However, this is like ordering an expensive Ralph Lauren suit over the phone, and the only information that you give the salesperson is your age.

As always, my best recommendation is to check out the websites of the premium manufacturers, learn about the different shaft models, and ultimately, find a shop or a fitter to help you test and compare the different shaft options.

One great source is our Authorized Installation Center Network. I would contact one or two and inquire as to the testing and fitting services offered. They can be reached at www.shaftology.com.

Regarding the pricing of our shaft models, most of our models, including the NS PRO 750GH are only available via installation at our Authorized Installation Centers. Please inquire directly with them. Regards, Mark

 

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Srixon I-701 irons with your Nippon 950 shaft and love them. 
What a great shaft Nippon has come up with.  I also have a set of Callaway
X-Tour 20 irons with Dynamic Gold SL shafts in them.  Can you tell me what the
difference is between the Nippon 950 Regular and the Dynamic Gold SL S300
shafts?  What is the difference in ball flight and targeted customer of each
shaft? Dave

ANSWER: Hi Dave,

Thanks for the compliments.

Regarding your shaft comparison questions, I refrain from comparing shaft models- as this is like asking McDonalds to compare their french fries with Burger King. The preference tends to be skewed towards McDonalds.

Regarding our NS PRO 950GH R flex iron shaft model- this design is 94 grams, constant weight, mid kick. This means that the weight class is almost exactly between the weight of a traditional steel iron shaft and a traditional graphite iron shaft. If you generally find that many steel shafts feel heavy and burdensome, and that graphite shaft models feel light and out of control, the weight of the 950 model might give you the best combination of power and control. Constant Weight means that each of the shafts in your iron set weight the same amount, which translates to a uniform swing feel. Finally, the mid kick of this shaft model typically yields a mid to high flight, for most golfers.  

You might also go to the individual websites to compare the specific weights of the different shaft models.

Regarding the flex designations of R and S, these are merely the flex rating of the individual shaft models and should be chosen based on the swing of the golfer. At a minimum, this can be chosen according to the past success of a given golfer. If you have had success in the past with R flex iron shafts, most likely, this is the proper flex for your needs. The optimal method of shaft comparison, of course, is always via live, comparative testing. You might consider contacting one of our Authorized Installation Centers and inquire as to the services they offer. They can be reached at www.shaftology.com.

Regards, Mark

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a set of Ping Eye 2 Berylium Copper irons which are in excellent
condition, except for the shafts. I have been measured, and the shaft that suits
me perfectly are the Rifle Project X 6.0. Would there be a problem fitting these
shafts to the copper heads? I would love to keep playing them as they have served
me brilliantly. Arthur

ANSWER: Hi Arthur,

Yes, you can have a set of most any make and model shaft, installed into your Ping irons.

If you have selected a shaft model and flex, then my most important recommendation is to make sure that you actually play with the EXACT SAME same specification as measured.

Most every golfer has the mistaken belief that, for example, a Rifle Project X 6.0, will somehow magically play the same in every installation. However, due to the variances in installation, this is never the case. Each and every time, it is important to insure that the shaft is installed in a uniform manner or you will feel the DIFFERENCE.

This means that your shaft model, with respect to raw length must be chosen carefully. This must be calculated based on the specific hosel geometry, which mostly means the bottom of the bore to the ground measurement. If the raw length is not precisely selected, your shaft may play stiffer or weaker in flex then you desire.

It is recommended that you use a uniform length measurement methodology to insure that you are comparing apples to apples and insure that you are playing with the proper length set.

It is recommended that you match the swingweight from set to set to achieve a similar balance and feel.

It is recommended that your grip size and weight are the same, from set to set, as this also plays a role in maximizing the playability and uniformity of your set.

Finally, a similar lie angle must also be factored in to the installation equation to achieve uniform balance.

Most golfers need help with a skilled installer for help with these key variables in finding the optimal installation. One great source is our network of Authorized Installation Centers- found at- www.shaftology.com.

Regards, Mark 

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I have a Ping G10 irons with AWT regular shafts, with red dot.

I want to change the shafts, cause my swing is getting better and fast. I know 
I am a better player since I first bought the irons.

I feel the AWT shafts, that send the ball to high, and I think, it takes my
distance.

What do you think about changing the shafts, and which shafts do you recommend for me? CR

ANSWER: Hi CR,

This can easily happen. You work at your game, and gain more speed and strength, and soon you are over-powering your shaft model and flex, or you are forced to swing easy and out of rhythm, in order to make the set play as functional as possible.

If you feel that this is your situation, then you most likely need a change in your shaft geometry and shaft flex, and maybe even weight.

Some of the models that you might consider are our NS PRO Superpeening Blue, NS PRO Superpeening Orange, and NS PRO 1150GH Tour. All 3 of these models are designed for stronger and better player types. The actual model and flex can only be accurately selected through live comparison and testing. However, a good place to start is at our web-site, and at the other premium shaft brand websites. For the above shaft model specifications, go to www.nipponshaft.com, and click on the North America link. Regards, Mark